MA International Relations | Part-time

Entry year:
2025/26
Start date:
September
Study mode:
Part-time
Course duration:
2 years
Campus:
Mount Pleasant

About this course

LJMU's innovative MA International Relations provides a grounding in key theories while examining in depth issues of enduring international significance

The world in the 21st century continues to be defined by long-standing and emerging global challenges. While state-based and civil conflicts are resurging after decades of relative decline, new non-traditional threats are emerging in the form of health pandemics, climate change, terrorism, and the potential disruptive impact of artificial intelligence.  

This MA in International Relations equips students with theoretical frameworks and methodological tools needed to understand, analyse, and address these evolving challenges that define our world. Across a range of core and optional modules, students will be introduced to key theoretical perspectives within International Relations discipline, alongside the associated fields of conflict and security studies, and will be given the opportunity to apply these across a range of thematic areas and regional case studies. Students will also undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice, enabling them to build essential research and analytical skills.

In addition to classroom learning, students have the opportunity to engage in applied learning experiences. Each year, the programme includes a trip to Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland, where students gain first-hand insights from practitioners and community groups on the legacy of conflict in the city and ongoing efforts towards peace and reconciliation. Students can also attend the Department of International Relations and Politics’ speaker series, which features established scholars discussing current issues in the field.

Teaching is delivered by research-active experts in the field and across a range of disciplines. Graduates leave with essential skills for careers in conflict resolution, global security, and international relations, and many have gone on to work with prominent organisations such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, National Crime Agency and the Home Office.

Course modules

Discover the building blocks of your programme

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

Optional modules

Your Learning Experience

An insight into teaching on your course

Study hours

Full-time students spend around seven hours a week in on-campus sessions and part-time students three to four hours. The Practitioner Workshops and the Perspectives in IR series take place four times each semester and add an extra 30 minutes a week to the on-campus study time.

Teaching methods

Teaching will be delivered as a combination of class discussions, lectures and workshops with core academic staff and invited practitioners, experts and guest lecturers. The aim is to give you as much insight into the world of International Relations as possible and this is best achieved through a mix of academic discussion and real world experiences.

How learning is monitored on your programme

To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.

The aim in all the assessments is to test your understanding of International Relations. Assessments on this course are a mixture of essays, presentations, exams and portfolios.

Where you will study

What you can expect from your School

Based within the John Foster Building on the Mount Pleasant Campus the School of Humanities and Social Science has many outstanding facilities, including well-equipped IT Suites, a light-filled Student Common Room and dedicated postgraduate study areas. At the back of the John Foster Building is the Aldham Robarts Library, which gives access to an exceptional range of materials to support the study of humanities and social science.

Course tutors

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

Typically students who study the MA will be progressing from their first degree in history, politics or a related-subject.

This programme has been designed to enhance your career prospects in international relations-related fields including government and non-government sectors. It exposes you to the careers available and enables you to network with people in the field.

For students wishing to pursue an academic career or for further study in the field of international relations, this MA will provide a solid basis when applying for a MPhil/PhD.

Tuition fees and funding

Home part-time per credit:
£46.65

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.

Financial Support

There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

  • Accommodation
  • Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
  • Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

You will need:

Qualification requirements

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

Your university life

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Talk to our students

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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.

Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.